Fans of Big Blue should be asking one question above anything else. Instead much of the vocal fanbase voices its disapproval, based upon hearsay and innuendo.
Keep in mind, New York Giants fans will quickly acquire amnesia if the newly hired Dave Gettleman succeeds in turning around the franchise. Right now, media-types want to over-expose the new hire’s warts. After all, Gettleman got fired this summer by Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson. But if you have computer and internet access, that part of Gettleman’s career trajectory means exactly diddly squat – given the sad state of affairs in Charlotte.
Another of Mean Dave’s transgressions includes – not getting along with players. Of course, can someone show us where that trait would be included on a NFL general manager’s job description?
For the record – are Victor Cruz and Osi Umenyiora on Jerry Reese’s Christmas card list?
And Steve Smith hates him. Name 10 people in the NFL and chances are that Smith hates at least five of them. Finally, the most laughable allegation – Gettleman’s gruff management style.
Are we still talking about the NFL here, or has Gettleman been hired to run a preschool?
What everyone should see is this: three straight NFC South titles and a Super Bowl appearance. Results attained after the team had deteriorated into NFL salary cap hell. But that would not be a sexy story, so let’s dredge up the chatter.
Gettleman is eminently qualified. That cannot be doubted, and when a team has a top draft pick, time is of the essence to get things in order quickly. Very simply, the hire make sense.
But unlike the normal New York Giants transitions, this season will likely conclude with a purge. This full-fledged housecleaning will not happen overnight.
New York Giants
Allow the haters to pine over Nick Caserio and Eliot Wolf. They should have fun doing so right now. They shouldn’t wait too long, because actual result may occur.
The Heavy Lifting Begins
As New York Giants co-owner John Mara readies an introduction for Gettleman on Friday – the naysayers gear up for a field day. Maybe because ex-GM Jerry Reese never interacted well with the press, some will want to make up for lost time. Take a look at the many stories that “expose” the New York Giants new general manager.
To avoid that, Mara and Steve Tisch should simply stay on message, as highlighted on Giants.com:
"“Given where we are as a team, we thought it was important to bring in someone with experience as a General Manager and a proven track record. Dave’s experience is unparalleled. He did an outstanding job as general manager in Carolina, and he was vital to our success during his tenure here. Dave is going to bring his own approach to our organization in how we draft and acquire players through free agency.”"
This description remains indisputable, but then again, people create their own realities. Hopefully Gettleman ignores the garbage and gets busy restructuring a stale and ineffective front office. Most of the Reese regime should be jettisoned, and replaced with folks, who have an actual evaluation system. Not the old, “hit some, miss some” drivel that Reese used to pedal.
Even before Gettleman hits his morning press conference, the hiring of Louis Riddick should be finalized. Maybe hiring Riddick as general manager would have been a stretch, but certainly the man belongs in an NFL front office. He clearly outclasses those former players he currently shares the stage with at ESPN. Riddick displays linear thinking – making him unique at the “Worldwide Leader.”
Related Story: New York Giants name Dave Gettleman general manager
We all know that two heads are better than one, and the New York Giants have a plethora of issues to deal with. Those include the Eli Apple situation, the future of Eli Manning, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie’s contract, the second-year of Brandon Marshall and Justin Pugh’s impending free agency.
It’s a lot to handle, but Gettleman seems ready for the task. He needs to strap in though, as the take off will undoubtedly be bumpy. Bringing Riddick along for the ride means the rebuild gets off to an auspicious start.